Past events

World Water Day 2026

Date

22. 3. 2026

Location

Gottleuba Dam

About the Event

On 22. 3. 2026, an open day was held at the Gottleuba Dam on the occasion of World Water Day. The dam is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its establishment this year. The event was organized by the Saxony Dam Authority together with the Vogtland Water Supply Association (Zweckverband Wasserversorgung Vogtland, ZVWV). The official opening ceremony was led by Georg-Ludwig von Breitenbuch, Saxon State Minister for the Environment and Agriculture.

The IDEAL project also participated in this event and introduced visitors to the motivation and objectives of the project as well as the importance of cross-border cooperation in the field of environmental protection.

IDEAL Project Stand

Three interactive stations were prepared at the IDEAL project stand for the general public, including children.

At the first station, children and adults could explore a simulation of a camera inspection of a sewerage system using the so-called sewer detective. A small surprise was hidden inside the sewer system for younger visitors.

The second station presented demonstrations of small aquatic organisms and explained their importance in the hydrobiology of watercourses.

At the third station, visitors could observe microscopic images of a water sample from the Gottleuba Dam, activated sludge from a wastewater treatment plant, and a sample of aquarium water.

International Communication

An interpreter was present throughout the event and supported communication between the IDEAL project team and both German and Czech visitors.

Conclusion

Thanks to the attractive outdoor program and favorable weather conditions, the event was very well attended. The IDEAL project stand welcomed many curious visitors throughout the entire day.

The significance of the event was further highlighted by a press conference held directly at the dam.

ČZU Students Succeed at International Student Challenge Focused on Water Protection

Students from the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (ČZU) achieved excellent results at an international Student Challenge held in cooperation with TU Dresden (TUD) and Jan Evangelista Purkyně University (UJEP). The competition focused on one of today’s most urgent environmental topics: water protection and public education.

The aim of the challenge was to develop educational programs for the public that would help raise awareness about water use, water pollution, water quality monitoring, and the protection of rivers and lakes. Each team was asked to create a scientifically sound and engaging educational concept tailored to a specific target group, such as children, high school students, families, or adults.

After several months of preparation, four teams advanced to the final round, where they presented their projects before a committee.

Strong ČZU Representation

ČZU was represented by two teams, both of which presented highly relevant and well-developed projects.

From Pollution to Protection

Ana Andjelkovic & Victoria Zueva (ČZU)

This project proposed a three-part educational program focused on Prague’s freshwater ecosystems. It combined an introductory seminar, a field excursion to selected urban and natural water sites, and a final reflection session in which participants would share their observations through a citizen science platform.

The concept was designed primarily for adults and students, with the possibility of adapting the format for younger participants. The project successfully connected scientific knowledge with practical environmental awareness and public engagement.

Winning Project: Water Pollution and Protection – an Interactive Teaching Concept

Tabea Kottek & Aswathi Gopinath (ČZU)

The winning ČZU project was developed as an interactive educational program for high school students. The concept aimed to make the topic of water pollution more understandable and relatable through a combination of theoretical background and practical activities.

The program included several experiments and demonstrations focused on:

the limited availability of freshwater resources,
the way pollution spreads through water,
invisible contaminants,
the impact of everyday human behaviour on water quality,
plastic pollution and its effects on aquatic animals,
and the natural water-cleaning potential of constructed wetlands.

The project was particularly appreciated for its clear educational structure, strong scientific foundation, and interactive format, which made it both informative and accessible for younger audiences.

Other Finalist Projects

The final round also included two strong projects from partner universities.

Ecology and Revitalization of River Landscapes

Adéla Ptáčníková & Michael Hožďala (UJEP)

This project focused on the ecological consequences of river modification and the importance of restoring natural riverbanks. The team developed both a university-level educational module and a public one-day excursion format for families and other participants.

Smart Photo-Fenton-Like Treatment of Antibiotic-Rich Hospital Wastewater

Sepideh Mohammadi & Amin Garmroudi (TUD)

This project addressed the growing issue of antibiotic contamination in hospital wastewater and introduced participants to advanced treatment methods aimed at improving wastewater purification in a more sustainable way.

ČZU Takes First Place

All teams presented innovative and carefully prepared concepts, and the final evaluation was very close. In the end, however, the project by Tabea Kottek and Aswathi Gopinath from ČZU was selected as the winning entry.

Photo 7. Participants on site and online. From left to right: Michael Hožďala and Adéla Ptáčníková (UJEP), Tabea Kottek and Aswathi Gopinath (ČZU), Victoria Zueva and Ana Andjelkovic (ČZU).

Their success reflects not only the quality of the project itself, but also the strong commitment of ČZU students to addressing environmental challenges through education, communication, and practical solutions.

ČZU is proud of all its participating students for their excellent representation of the university and their contribution to promoting environmental awareness and sustainability.

As part of the IDEAL project (Interreg Czech–Saxony 2021–2027), the intensive course “C6 – Sediment Analysis” was successfully organized in April 2026 at Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem (UJEP), bringing together Czech and German students specializing in water quality, sediment research, pollution assessment, and aquatic environmental systems. The course combined theoretical instruction with practical laboratory training focused on sediment characterization and environmental assessment in aquatic ecosystems.

The first day of the course consisted of online lectures addressing sediment system dynamics, sediment composition, environmental functions of sediments, sampling strategies, site selection, quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), chain of custody procedures, laboratory preparation techniques, and physical-chemical characterization methods. Participants were also introduced to the interpretation of analytical results and their practical application in environmental assessment and pollution monitoring.

The second day focused on practical laboratory rotations held at the CPTO Building in Ústí nad Labem, where participants took part in specialized sessions dedicated to sediment analysis techniques, ecotoxicological testing using Daphnia magna, determination of metals and nutrients by ICP-MS, and analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using chromatographic methods. Through these laboratory activities, students gained direct experience with sample handling, analytical workflows, laboratory instrumentation, and environmental data generation.

The course concluded with an online evaluation session consisting of group reports and oral presentations during which participants discussed analytical findings, environmental implications, and methodological approaches used throughout the course. Overall, the activity strengthened practical competencies in sediment monitoring and environmental analysis while simultaneously supporting cross-border scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange between Czech and German students, which represent key objectives of the IDEAL project.

As part of the IDEAL project (Interreg Czech–Saxony 2021–2027), the course “C1 – Pharmaceuticals in Wastewater” was successfully held in March 2026 at TU Dresden, bringing together students from Germany and the Czech Republic with backgrounds in hydrology, civil engineering, and hydrobiology. The course combined introductory lectures on micropollutants, pharmaceutical pathways, and EU regulatory frameworks with hands-on laboratory training, including wastewater sample preparation, solid phase extraction (SPE), and advanced LC-MS analysis. Participants worked with real samples from German and Czech wastewater treatment plants, gaining practical insight into trace-level pollutant detection and environmental monitoring.

The training followed a structured workflow from theory to application and interpretation. After intensive lab work and data analysis sessions, students continued in groups to evaluate results and prepare presentations, supported by an optional online consultation session. The course concluded with team presentations, discussion of treatment efficiency and environmental implications, and a final evaluation. Overall, the activity provided valuable practical skills, strengthened cross-border collaboration, and contributed to capacity building in water quality assessment—key objectives of the IDEAL project.

STUDENT WATER CHALLENGE 2026

Innovative Ideas for Sustainable Water Management

12 February 2026 | Technische Universität Dresden (TUD)

On 12 February 2026, the STUDENT WATER CHALLENGE 2026 took place at the Technische Universität Dresden (TUD) within the framework of IDEAL activities. The event brought together students and academic staff from three partner institutions: Technische Universität Dresden, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem (UJEP), and the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU).

The full-day program hosted several interdisciplinary student teams from the three universities. Throughout the day, students presented innovative course concepts addressing current challenges in sustainable water management, ranging from technical and nature-based solutions to policy-oriented and community-driven approaches. The diversity of topics reflected the interdisciplinary and international character of the IDEAL consortium.

The event was supported by professors and academic staff from TUD, UJEP, and CZU, who actively contributed to discussions, provided expert feedback, and encouraged cross-institutional collaboration. The challenge created an open and dynamic environment in which students could test their ideas, exchange experiences, and establish new professional connections across borders.

Beyond the academic program, the day also fostered informal networking and cultural exchange. The event concluded with a guided excursion through Dresden, allowing participants to continue discussions in a relaxed atmosphere while exploring the host city.

The STUDENT WATER CHALLENGE 2026 highlighted the added value of cooperation within the IDEAL framework, demonstrating how international collaboration enhances both academic learning and practical problem-solving in the field of sustainable water management.

The organizers jointly agreed to establish the STUDENT WATER CHALLENGE as an annual event within the IDEAL framework, reinforcing their shared commitment to long-term international collaboration and innovation in sustainable water management.

The excursion to the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant in Prague brought together partners of the IDEAL project along with colleagues from Saxony and the Czech Republic. Participants visited both the state-of-the-art new treatment line and the historic original facility, now serving as a technical museum. The program, prepared by Pražské vodovody a kanalizace, a.s., included expert-guided tours, professional translation, and extensive technical exchange on wastewater treatment processes, plant compactness, and innovative infrastructure design. Highlights included underground halls, century-old steam engines, historic settling tanks, and a short underground boat trip.

The visit provided valuable insights into the development of Prague’s wastewater management from its industrial origins to modern, fully roofed plant technology. The day concluded with a joint Bohemian-style dinner that supported networking and knowledge sharing among all project partners. The event strengthened cross-border cooperation within the IDEAL project and laid the groundwork for future meetings, including an invitation to Dresden’s Kaditz wastewater treatment plant.

World Toilet Day

The IDEAL project team took part in World Toilet Day activities organized by Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem. School groups were introduced to the importance of drinking water protection and wastewater treatment through interactive demonstrations, quizzes, and experiments prepared by experts from UJEP, the DWA Saxony/Thuringia, and Severočeské vodovody a kanalizace, a.s. Children explored practical laboratory setups and a model sewer network, gaining hands-on insights into water management in an engaging and playful way.

In the late afternoon, UJEP hosted a hybrid panel discussion featuring professionals from the water sector who exchanged views on current challenges and developments. Members of the IDEAL project team participated actively in the discussion and supported the event. The activities strengthened public awareness of water and sanitation issues and highlighted the close collaboration between IDEAL project partners.

Where do our samples come from?

Within the project, we selected sampling points at three transborder rivers and connected sewage treatment plants.

This selection is based on a well-discussed sampling concept along the course of the river.

Upstream: a reference point without known pollution or effluent influence.
Middlestream: downstream of a known source of pollution (e.g. a sewage treatment plant), but at a sufficient distance to ensure screening of the mixed sample.
Downstream: Right before the Elbe or Polenz estuary, to evaluate the state of the water and identify potential further influences.

During our field trip on 15 March 2025, the sampling points were selected based on the following criteria.

Criteria:

good accessibility,
sufficient water flow and
suitable locations for sampling the river bed.

In the framework of workpackage 5 of IDEAL project: Current Status and Harmonization of Wastewater Treatment Plants and Water Bodies Monitoring Procedures, the faculty of environment team at UJEP conducted the periodic sampling campaign (summer season) to different Czech and Germany localities over the Elbe/Labe river. The team collected water and sediment samples, performed certain on-spot analyses and transported samples to the laboratories for further studies.

Water sampling and measurement of water parameters in the Kamenice River in Hřensko.
Water sampling and measurement of water parameters in the Kamenice River in the village of Srbská Kamenice.
Water sampling and measurement of water parameters in the Kamenice River near the village of Kytlice.
Water sampling and measurement of parameters in the Vilémovský stream in the village of Staré Hraběcí.
Water sampling and measurement of water parameters in the Křinice River near the village of Krásná Lípa.

Using a multimeter and three electrodes, water temperature, pH, conductivity and dissolved oxygen were measured on spot at the sampling point.

Photogrammetric scanning of the sampling site using a 360° camera. (Křinice River, Krásná Lípa). Scanning is carried out by Ing. Brétt.
Photogrammetric scanning of the sampling site using a drone. (Kamenice River, Kytlice village). Scanning is carried out by Ing. Brétt.
Sediment sampling from the Sebnitz River near the village of Altendorf in Saxony, Germany.
Sediment sampling from the Kamenice, Křinice and Sebnitz rivers.

Water and sediment analysis: After collection, inorganic (presence of metals) and organic (e.g. pesticides or pharmaceuticals) analyses are performed on water samples. After collection, a portion of the sediment samples was analysed for enzymatic activities. The other part was dried, and microwave extracted in aqua regia and subsequently analyzed for the presence of metals.

Project- meeting of the project at the Czech University of Life Sciences (CZU) in Prague

The last official project meeting took place at the Czech University of Life Sciences (CZU) in Prague on June 11, 2025. Representatives from Jan Evangelista Purkyně University Ústí nad Labem (UJEP), the German Association for Water, Wastewater and Waste (DWA), the Czech Water Management Association (CZWA), the Urban Water Management (SWW), the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) and the Department of Clinical Pharmacology (KPH) at TU Dresden were in attendance.

During the event, the project partners presented initial work statuses and interim results – a successful start to further cooperation in the project.

During the lunch break, the participants were offered a varied and healthy buffet – many thanks to the hosts for the excellent organization and catering.

Unfortunately, the originally planned lab tour could not take place due to time constraints. Instead, the participants were given a tour of innovative water technology facilities on the university campus. Among other things, wetland systems for natural water purification, green roof and façade areas and a technical solution for using treated water to flush toilets were presented. These plants impressively demonstrate the potential of integrated concepts for sustainable water reuse.

The project meeting provided a valuable opportunity for professional exchange, networking and further coordination of joint work steps. We would like to thank all participants for their contribution and look forward to the upcoming project meetings and further cooperation.

First monitoring of small watercourses and wastewater treatment plants in the Saxon-Czech border region

On June 11, 2025, the first comprehensive monitoring campaign as part of the project started at 7:30 a.m. at the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) at TU Dresden. The aim was to sample three smaller border watercourses between Saxony and the Czech Republic – Sebnitz, Kirnitzsch and Kamenice – each at three locations: in the headwaters (upstream), in the middle reaches (mid-stream) and in the immediate vicinity of the confluence with the Elbe (downstream).

In addition to the watercourses, three outfalls from municipal sewage treatment plants were also investigated. Two outfalls and one tributary were sampled on the Sebnitz, while the outfall of the Krásná Lípa wastewater treatment plant was sampled on the Kirnitzsch.

Despite isolated low flows – particularly in the upper sections of the Kirnitzsch and Kamenice – qualified samples were taken at all planned watercourses. The outlets of the sewage treatment plants in Krásná Lípa and Sebnitz could be taken as random samples. The weather conditions were consistently favorable, so that the sampling could be carried out successfully and according to plan.

The intensive day of measuring ended with sampling at the mouth of the Kamenice at around 7 pm. Afterwards, the participants rounded off the day with refreshments in a nearby restaurant.

Special thanks go to Dr. Dirk Jungmann for the logistical support and safe execution of the trips. We are also pleased about the active participation of a student from the Department of Pharmacology (KHP) and the international support of Petri Oberholster from South Africa.

The samples taken provide valuable data on water quality and make a decisive contribution to understanding the hydrological conditions in the study area. Further monitoring missions are already being planned.

IDEAL Project Team Meeting in Ústí nad Labem
The Faculty of Environment at UJEP in Ústí nad Labem hosted another working meeting of the IDEAL project – Importance of water eDucation in EuropeAn elbe/Labe region – at the beginning of November. Representatives of all partner institutions discussed progress in the individual work packages, the current design of the project’s website, and the planned schedule for the student competition.

The program also included a tour of the UJEP campus, which is one of the most modern of its kind in the Czech Republic and already incorporates sustainable practices, such as rainwater management. This system is planned to be further developed in the coming years.

Monitoring TU Dresden in the border region of Saxon and Bohemian Switzerland

19.08.2025 – 19.08.2025

Where: Border region of Saxon Switzerland and Bohemian Switzerland

Event type: Project events

On August 19, 2025, the TU Dresden team conducted a second sampling in the border region of Saxon Switzerland – Bohemian Switzerland as part of the Interreg project. The campaign began at 7 a.m. in Drudebau, Dresden. Three rivers in the border region – the Kirnitzsch, Kamenice, and Sebnitz – were examined, as well as four wastewater treatment plants: Sebnitz, Vilémov, Krásná Lípa, and Česká Kamenice.

Further analysis.

This time, the sampling was accompanied by two students from TU Dresden who are conducting research on endocrine-disrupting substances and herbicide toxicity as part of their master’s and bachelor’s theses. We also received valuable support from our Czech colleague, who introduced us to the four wastewater treatment plants and facilitated access to the sites.

After a successful day of work, all samples were distributed to the institutes of TU Dresden around 6 p.m. and prepared for further analysis.

Participation in the Magdeburg Water Protection Seminar 2025

Karim Al Souki from Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem and Jakob Benisch from the Technical University of Dresden took part in the Magdeburg Water Protection Seminar 2025, held in Magdeburg, Germany, at the beginning of October.

Both representatives presented the IDEAL project during the poster session, introducing its goals and significance for the Czech-Saxon region. Participants of the event had the opportunity to learn about the project’s main outcomes as well as its planned activities.

As part of their presentation, they also distributed informational leaflets highlighting upcoming opportunities for students and professionals. In addition to the poster session, Karim Al Souki and Jakob Benisch had the chance to meet with colleagues from the scientific sector and discuss possibilities for future cooperation.

Sampling in the Kamenice River Basin within the IDEAL Project

Researchers and technicians from the Faculty of the Environment, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem (FŽP UJEP) carried out water and sediment sampling at several locations in the basins of the Kamenice, Křinice, and Sebnitz rivers, as well as the Vilémovský stream.

In the field, basic physicochemical parameters of water — temperature, pH, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen — were measured using a multimeter and three electrodes directly at the sampling sites.

As part of the fieldwork, sampling sites were mapped using a 360° camera and a drone, providing detailed documentation of the environment and precise localization of the measured profiles.

The collected samples are further analyzed in the laboratories of FŽP UJEP.
For water samples, the presence of inorganic elements (especially metals) and organic compounds such as pesticides and pharmaceutical residues is monitored.
Sediment samples, after drying, undergo microwave extraction in aqua regia and are subsequently analyzed for metal content.